A Driving force in South Africa’s automotive aftermarket
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation is a proactive, relevant, retail and associated motor industry organisation recognised
as the leading voice in South Africa‘s automotive after market. It serves the daily needs of its members and plays a key role
in enabling motor traders to deliver a superior service to motoring consumers. Eight Associations fall proudly under the RMI
umbrella. Inter-associational business-to-business trading is encouraged in the interests of all stakeholders.
head Office www.rmi.org.za
Tel: +27 11 886 6300 | Surrey Square Office Park, 330 Surrey Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194, Gauteng, P. O. Box 2940, Randburg, 2125
regiOnal Offices
Central: Randburg tel: +27 11 886 6300 | KwaZulu-Natal: Durban tel: +27 31 266 7031 | Eastern Cape/Border: Port Elizabeth tel: +27 41 364 0070 |
Western Cape: Cape Town tel: +27 21 939 9440 | Free State / Northern Cape: Bloemfontein tel: +27 51 430 3294
sapra – South African Petroleum
Retailers’ Association
SAPRA represents the interests of all petroleum retailers in
South Africa. Its aim is to improve growth and profitability
for the investor. SAPRA plays an important role in tracking
global and local trends that affect sustainability and help
retailers remain relevant in an ever-changing business
environment. Retailers voice concerns through one of
the seven regional chairs strategically located around
the country, into a National Executive Committee (NEC),
where strategy and solutions are developed. This bottom
up approach is a fundamental SAPRA imperative.
sambra – South African Motor Body
Repairers’ Association
SAMBRA is the pre-eminent motor body repair association in
South Africa representing the majority of accredited motor body
repairers. SAMBRA’s grading system, which was introduced over
30 years ago, regulates repairer standards in the motor body repair
industry in South Africa and instils confidence in consumers and
industry stakeholders alike. The Association works in close collab-
oration with various key industry stakeholders including Insurers,
Original Equipment Suppliers, paint and equipment suppliers, the
labour department and trade unions, as well as related SETAs – to
maintain industry sustainability and development. It ensures the
provision of technical and business management skills training in
order for members to meet the demands of the industry.
tepa – Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association
TEPA represents tyre dealers; garage/workshop equipment and
tool importers and distributors; auto part wholesalers, retailers
and independent operators in the aftermarket motor parts
industry as well as manufacturers and importers of parts for
the automotive aftermarket. The members of TEPA represent,
promote, sell and endorse the use of legitimate, bona fide,
quality branded products. TEPA members also export parts,
equipment and components into Africa and other countries in
the world. TEPA encourages at all times inter-associational RMI
business-to-business trading, intent on strengthening the RMI
Organisation as a whole. TEPA is seen as the mark of integrity
and fair trade for the consumer, the business operator and the
government. The Association is the legitimate voice of the tyre,
equipment, and parts industry in South Africa and is positioned
as an intermediary between government, business, and the
consumer.
Vta – Vehicle Testing Association
The VTA represents private vehicle testing stations that are
committed to operating within the law in accordance with the
Road Traffic Act and the relevant SANS standards. In this highly
regulated environment, the association represents the interests
of its members at government level working groups and is
committed to enhancing the reputation of the industry in all the
spheres.
ara – Automotive Remanufacturers’ Association
ARA represents the remanufacturing trade sector. This includes
component remanufacturers involved in safety-critical compo-
nents, inclusive of but not limited to vehicle cooling, turbocharger
and braking systems; automotive engineers who machine and
remanufacture engine components by way of expert engineering
– ultimately rebuilding engines to its original specifications; and
specialists in the repair, servicing and remanufacturing of diesel
fuel injection systems fitted to diesel engines in earth moving
equipment, highway trucks, stationary engines and passenger
vehicles. ARA promotes the responsible reuse of remanufactured
engine components for a ‘greener’ environment (carbon foot-
print). Its members are dedicated to providing consumers with
only the best of advice, finest service delivery, and highest quality
workmanship.
nada – National Automobile Dealers’ Association
NADA represents the interests of business people who own or
operate new motor vehicle and motorcycle franchise dealerships
and qualifying used motor vehicle and motorcycle outlets. NADA
is committed to the image enhancement of the retail motor busi-
ness, facilitating the interface between dealers and OEMs; import-
ers and distributors; building relationships between dealers and
customers and bringing relevant industry issues to the attention of
government. NADA is the respected voice on all matters relating to
motor vehicle and motorcycle dealer business.
miwa – Motor Industry Workshop Association
MIWA, the Independent Workshop Association, representing
general repairs, auto electrical; air conditioning; accessories and
fitment as well as transmission and driveline workshops strives
to remain ahead of the ever-changing technologies and best
practices of the aftermarket motor industry. MIWA encourages
members to support inter-associational, business-to-business
trading with a view to strengthen the RMI. MIWA remains the
leading resource for members ensuring continued relevance
and sustainability.
saVaba – South African Vehicle and
Bodybuilders’ Association
SAVABA members are professional, certified and regulated
vehicle body builders in South Africa who manufacture
commercial vehicle body applications (tanker, coal, refrigerated
trucks and trailers) and bus bodies (commuter and tourist
type). Members manufacture using the latest equipment and
highly trained staff to ensure strict compliance with NRCS
regulations; SABS standards and all other legal specifications
and requirements.
CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS
ollowing the success of the Dunlop Con
tainer project, established in 2012 to drive
sustainable township entrepreneurship and
promote safety on the road, Sumitomo Rubber
SA (SRSA), manufacturer of the Dunlop brand, is
helping dealers take their businesses to the next
level. SRSA has now developed accredited train
ing programmes funded by MERSETA and Sumi
tomo Rubber Industries (SRI).
Dunlop’s Enterprise Development dealers
can now apply to send their employees for train
ing in one of four focus areas: Technical Skills,
Occupational Health & Safety, Business Acumen
and Sales and Customer Care. SRSA will select
candidates from the applications for the fully
funded training.
SRSA’s sustainable township entrepreneur
ship model starts with transforming an informal
tyre business, trading out of a shipping container,
into a Dunlop branded tyre fitment centre, with
marketing support, training and mentorship pro
vided by SRSA.
Their ‘Business in a Box’ is a plug and play
solution for a tyre fitment centre. The owner pur
chases the unit from SRSA. SRSA delivers a Dun
lop branded container that is fitted with equip
ment, including retail software, start-up stock
and point-of-sale. They are then equipped to pro
vide a professional service needed by every car
owner, and to offer top-quality products under
a recognised and trusted brand. All he needs to
do is connect to the electricity and start trading.
Apart from supporting entrepreneurship
and sustaining jobs, the transformation of infor
mal businesses into Dunlop fitment centres has
also helped counter the use of dangerous sec
ond-hand tyres through training and education
on tyre safety.
he countdown has started for the largest Suzuki Jimny gathering in the
Southern Hemisphere... and possibly the world.
Scheduled for 22 to 24 September 2023, the Jimny Safari Town
Festival and Jimny Gathering will bring together hundreds, if not thousands
of Jimny owners and fans to set a record for the largest number of Jimnys
on one site. More importantly, it will be the largest
yet for fans of this
plucky 4x4.
The event will be hosted in the scenic town of Clarens in the Eastern Free
State. The venue was chosen, not only for its beauty, but also for its ease of
accessibility from virtually anywhere across the country.
The Suzuki Gathering weekend will start on Friday 22 September 2023 as
the first eager Jimnys arrive for the full weekend experience.
On Saturday, Suzuki and its fans will depart on a Jimny Expedition and
have fun at the Safari Town Festival where local bands Mango Groove, Good
luck and Spoegwolf will be performing. Other artists will be announced in
the coming months.
On Sunday 24 September, everyone will celebrate National Heritage Day
and gather for the Jimny Gathering Event to set an official gathering record.
On Monday 25 September, a public holiday, everyone will head home
with their albums full of fantastic memories.
To make the gathering even more fun, comedian, actor and fellow Jimny
owner, Schalk Bezuidenhout, will host the Jimny Gathering event.